Boards & adhesives
Lower-emission boards and adhesives reduce pollutants released into indoor air.* Choose them for cabinetry and furniture throughout your home.
Sustainable interiors
less waste.more life.
Care for materials. Make room for the future.
Keep the pieces that work. Repair the ones worth keeping. When you add something new, choose for its purpose, materials, and the life it can have in your home.
Explore materials & care04 / Sustainable interiorsEarth & Abode
A useful piece has more than one life.
An oak table can find a new place. A chair can gain fresh upholstery. Useful flooring can become the starting point for a new palette. We begin with what you already have and design the next chapter around it.
- Keep finishes that are in good condition and work with the new layout.
- Repair or refinish furniture where practical.
- Use freestanding pieces where flexibility matters.
- Before adding wall panelling or a false ceiling, decide what you need it for and whether it is worth the extra materials and maintenance.
Materials
Material, finish, and the life in between.
Durable, repairable materials and lower-emission finishes make a more sustainable home.* Choose natural textures, lasting surfaces, and pieces that are easy to care for.
Paints & plasters
Low-VOC paints, mineral finishes, and lime or clay plasters bring colour and texture to a more sustainable interior.* Choose a finish that suits the room and is easy to maintain.
Furniture & textiles
Well-made furniture, replaceable upholstery, and durable fabrics reduce the need for replacement.* Choose tactile materials and pieces you will enjoy for years.
Installation & care
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying, curing, and ventilation. Leave room to reach parts that need maintenance, and keep product details and care instructions for future repairs.
Let daylight shape the room.
In an apartment, window positions, plumbing, and ventilation systems are often fixed. Keep furniture clear of opening windows, use curtains to manage glare, and place lights where daylight is not enough.
- Keep windows clear so daylight can enter and they can open freely.
- Choose shading and curtains for privacy and to manage glare, taking into account which way your windows face.
- Plan fans, kitchen exhausts, and ventilation to work with the systems already in your home.
- Discuss changes to shared systems, walls, or other parts of the building with the appropriate professionals and building management before starting.
Comfort starts with the plan.
Place seating and work areas where the light suits what you do. Leave room to open windows, reach switches, and move around furniture.
Technology
Useful technology. Simple to live with.
Light where it is needed
Use efficient LED lights to light the room and focused lights for reading or cooking. Position them to avoid glare, and choose dimming where you want to adjust the brightness.
Controls you can understand
Use timers when you want equipment to follow a schedule, or occupancy sensors when lights should respond to someone entering the room. Keep manual controls easy to use and check how the system will be maintained.
Easy access for repairs
Plan lighting, fans, cooling controls, and any energy monitoring together. Keep fittings and equipment easy to reach for cleaning, repairs, and replacement.
Free designs
Design for a longer life.
Use our sustainable design guides with your own designer or contractor. There is no obligation to hire Earth & Abode.